James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
The 47-year-old Dawson’s Creek actor revealed his diagnosis in an exclusive statement to People.
"I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” Van Der Beek told the magazine. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer begins in the colon or the rectum, both of which are parts of the large intestine within the digestive system. Depending on where they start, the cancers can either be referred to colon cancer or rectal cancer.
The actor did not provide details on when he was informed of his condition. However, he seemingly has continued to work having recently appeared on an episode of Walker and will star in the upcoming Tubi film Sidelined: The QB and Me, premiering on Nov. 29.
Van Der Beek will also appear in The Real Full Monty, a December 9th special where male celebrities strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer. He will be joined by recent co-stars Taye Diggs, Chris Jones, and Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli.
The actor and wife Kimberly share children Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.